‘Pompeii, but in the middle of a massive city’: the ice age fossil site hidden in Los Angeles
The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum in Los Angeles is set to undergo a significant renovation for the first time in nearly 50 years. This unique site, known for its rich collection of ice age fossils, will close in July for a two-year, $240 million project. The renovation aims to enhance the visitor experience while preserving the site's historical significance as an active excavation site.
- ▪The La Brea Tar Pits is the only urban, active ice age excavation site in the world.
- ▪The museum will close in July for a $240 million renovation project.
- ▪The renovation will update exhibition and research spaces while maintaining the current structure.
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The Lake Pit at the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, which first opened in 1977. Photograph: Courtesy of NHMLACView image in fullscreenThe Lake Pit at the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, which first opened in 1977. Photograph: Courtesy of NHMLACWest Coast‘Pompeii, but in the middle of a massive city’: the ice age fossil site hidden in Los AngelesLa Brea Tar Pits – the only urban, active ice age excavation site in world – gets a mammoth face lift for the first time in nearly 50 yearsChris Iovenko in Los AngelesSun 24 May 2026 11.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleLos Angeles is known for famous museum such as the Getty and the Lacma, but perhaps fewer people are aware that – in the heart of the city – lies a museum that contains one of the world’s most remarkable fossil sites.The La Brea Tar…
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